Turkey Must Deserve our Support to Get It

When Turkish jets shot down an interloping Russian fighter-bomber yesterday, the specter of war arose between a member of NATO and Vladimir Putin’s nuclear-armed Russia. Should that happen, the United States and the other NATO states could be obliged to go to war, as well.

Under the leadership of its Islamist autocrat, Recep Tayyep Erdogan, Turkey has largely undermined the U.S. and NATO, not been a strong ally. His support for the Islamic State, Iran, Hamas and facilitating the vast Muslim hijra (or invasion) into Europe in recent months are but a few examples. Such behavior is dangerous and unacceptable.

NATO’s nations have nonetheless responded to the possibility of Russo-Turkish hostilities by expressing solidarity with the Turks. The allies must use the present opportunity to address internally and with Erdogan that, hereafter, Turkey must warrant such support in order to receive it.